[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-i-became-the-academy-s-war-hero":3,"chapter-i-became-the-academy-s-war-hero-i-became-the-academy-s-war-hero-chapter-75":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","I Became the Academy’s War Hero",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1531682,1990,"Chapter 75 : Imperial Summit (4)","i-became-the-academy-s-war-hero-chapter-75",75,"\u003Cp>Chapter 75: Imperial Summit (4)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five agendas, their respective overseers, and even the order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the official banner was lowered, murmurs gradually grew among the participants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwaaaang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to bear it any longer, the Crown Prince slammed the podium hard, and the hall quickly fell silent again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, the familiar stillness of an imperial procession returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Abel flash a satisfied smile and signal with his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Imperial Household has held thorough discussions and selected this year’s agendas. I trust everyone here will comply.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Those who wish to offer counsel may raise their hand and state their name and title.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked like an invitation, even encouragement, but everyone here already knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone who objected here… would die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…It seems I’ve dampened the mood a bit too much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The suffocating silence—so heavy one could even hear the sound of someone swallowing—broke with the Crown Prince’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well then, I shall take my leave as the uninvited guest here. Do enjoy the banquet without worry, everyone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step, step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having said everything he wanted, Abel Ribenia left the banquet hall nonchalantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after his attendants disappeared as well, the room remained wrapped in an awkward stillness for a while longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the servants finally stood up one by one to resume serving, people cautiously began to exchange words again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rubia wiped the sweat forming on her forehead and let out a sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whew… No matter how many times I see them, the Imperial Family’s presence is always overwhelming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’d say it’s not as bad as the direct Bernhardt line, though.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other hand, Francia and Eric appeared rather calm, while Lea even scoffed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph, acting all high and mighty just because he was lucky enough to inherit the Crown Prince’s seat!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shh, someone might hear you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, no one denied her assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Prince and current Crown Prince, Abel Ludwig von Ribenia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His infamy had already spread throughout the entire Empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially his debauchery in the capital, Arpe—it had long crossed the line into madness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now, among the middle-aged, it was still a common saying at drinking tables: “It should’ve been the Second Prince who died on the battlefield back then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, I think the assignment of the overseers and the order of agendas turned out pretty decent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone agreed with that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, since the agenda announcement, Lea had been secretly rejoicing inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was already a success that Master was assigned to the Hokhma Incident, but the fact that even the Academy’s agenda was given to Princess Alix—there had never been a better arrangement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she had only attended two Imperial Summits as a servant before, she had gained countless pieces of valuable information from them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ultimate conclusion of each proposed agenda was decided by the Imperial Family member overseeing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, even if a conclusion was reached on the spot, formal procedures such as legislation still had to pass through the Council.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nevertheless, since this was a venue where such matters were officially declared before the Empire’s key figures, it was rare for any issue to fade away without consequence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No turning back. A point of no return, that’s what this is.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And turning that thought around led to the same conclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘There’s no place more fitting to declare war than this one.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I have to succeed this time.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had the best cards in hand, and justification was overflowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There would never again be a better chance than this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a determined smile, Lea clenched her fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Please wait just a little longer, Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The banquet hall remained lively well into the late night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some shared heartfelt reunions with familiar faces, while others simply indulged in the long-awaited grand event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the key figures had long since returned to their quarters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, their interest lay in the contents and order of the agendas, not in socializing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Michel Bernhardt, however, was still trapped in the hall, unable to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four who had left earlier recalled the scene as they chatted on their way out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No one around him would let him go…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, thanks to that, we got to leave comfortably.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the end, Halenber didn’t even show up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Neither did Bernhardt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that why they all swarmed around the Chairwoman instead?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Most likely…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as they reached the lodging, they gathered again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Rubia took the lead, everyone had something to say—this meeting would’ve happened no matter who started it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room assigned to the instructors was slightly larger, so everyone had gathered in Rubia’s quarters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did anyone see Instructor Carter at the banquet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Lea’s question, everyone shook their heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Francia added her own comment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If he’d returned, he would’ve come back to the lodgings by now. There are still many things we haven’t discussed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Which means he’s still…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the three students reacted similarly, Rubia quickly waved her hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’ll definitely arrive before the opening ceremony, so let’s focus on getting our story straight first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You’re right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. It’s time we prove we can handle this on our own.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, under Professor Rubia’s lead, their final strategy meeting began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lea was the first to recall the opening agenda, her fingers brushing her lips in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re second in order, but… what matters is when the first discussion ends.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How long does each agenda usually take?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At most, it’ll be concluded within the day. If it goes quickly, maybe within four hours. When are the witnesses scheduled to appear?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eric immediately searched his memory and replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Instructor Carter said they could be brought in tomorrow afternoon. That timing should line up well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Rubia interjected again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mean the witnesses who’ll testify about the spread of Hokhma addiction in Karbenna, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When both Francia and Eric nodded, Lea looked at them with mild surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know there’s no point doubting each other at this stage, but… when did you find out? I don’t remember us ever mentioning it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When we returned from the Magic Tower, Eugene—oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? The Magic Tower?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Professor, were we supposed to say that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing her mistake, Rubia quickly waved her hand, flustered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lea’s right. What’s the point of hiding it any longer?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s true, but still….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m sure Sir Eugene expected this too!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Rubia began recounting in considerable detail what had happened at the Magic Tower—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—of course, carefully omitting any sensitive details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially everything related to the summoning of the evil spirit had to be left out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I don’t want anything that could even slightly tarnish Sir Eugene’s image.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the news of the resumed Technology Exchange alone was remarkable enough that no one questioned it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Francia focused on the risk factor of the Technology Exchange itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…But, is it really all right to make this public now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Karbenna may be an Imperial-affiliated academy, but after suffering damage from the Hokhma Incident, if it’s announced that we’re resuming technological exchange with the Magic Tower…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t have to worry about that,” Lea cut in before Rubia could reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Imperial Court won’t remain hostile toward the Magic Tower forever.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You think so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You sound oddly confident. Do you have some insider in the Imperial Palace or something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W–what insider could a fallen noble like me possibly have?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lea simply avoided Eric’s sharp gaze without answering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So basically, everything will be decided tomorrow….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eric sighed deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her usually composed junior act this way, Lea playfully flicked his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looks like you’re getting nervous now, Mr. Whistleblower?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please don’t spread fake news, Senior.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four exchanged light teasing to ease their growing tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They kept talking until nearly midnight before finally dispersing to their rooms to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having shaken off all the bothersome cling-ons, Michel was heading alone toward the lodgings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I can’t believe not a single direct-line member showed up.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he’d known this would happen, he would’ve just skipped the event altogether.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now all the attention had fallen squarely on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, the reason they hadn’t come was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They must’ve thought there was no need to attend the banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, the fact that Chloe hadn’t come was quite unexpected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d thought she would at least show up to provoke him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Or maybe… that’s her way of showing confidence.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps she simply didn’t want to see the spectacle of early gatherings where people sucked up to one another, pretending camaraderie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Yes, stay that arrogant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s no need for you to put your full strength into dealing with outsiders like us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look down on us. Dismiss us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That way, the blade we thrust will be sharper still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he wound his way through the alleys and reached the entrance, a large man stood guard at the main gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re quite late, Chairwoman.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Frederick Lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There were too many leeches.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I didn’t see you at the banquet. Where were you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I stayed near the end. Left right after checking the agendas.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well… fine. What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After glancing around briefly, Frederick went straight to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Actually… I ran into Carter on the way here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“On the bridge—he was in combat. Had we not intervened, his life might’ve been in danger. Especially if Dale hadn’t lifted the sealing magic in time…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Director of Planning and General Affairs saved Carter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I imagine it was only because there were too many eyes watching, but yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maybe he didn’t see Carter as an ally, but rather as someone useful to Karbenna.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Michel stayed silent for a moment before continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then why hasn’t he shown his face since? I didn’t see him at the banquet either.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tone had shifted—now it sounded almost like interrogation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frederick straightened his stance and replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He said he had somewhere he absolutely needed to stop by… I haven’t seen him since.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Somewhere to stop by? Did he say anything more?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’m not that close with Carter, you see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frederick rubbed the corner of his mouth as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eugene wasn’t the type to withhold necessary information just because of lack of familiarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nor would he consider Frederick an enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, it must’ve been something that didn’t need to be shared. I suppose that’s the right way to see it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I agree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, it had nothing to do with the Summit itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, the fact that he made time during such a busy period meant—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—it must have been something quite significant for Eugene Carter personally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lost in thought, Michel exhaled softly and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, what matters is that he survived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, that was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it was him, he’d surely arrive before the opening ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Could this, too, be part of some cunning plan?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The protagonist always makes his entrance last… something like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suppressing a smile, she gestured to Frederick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All right, let’s head in. The night air’s still quite chilly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After exchanging a brief, secret conversation, the two entered the lodging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eugene Carter… still hasn’t returned, huh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the scene silently through the window, Dale Wedmeyer turned toward the desk in his room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On it lay a half-filled note.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the last line, a short slogan and a title were written, etched like a brand:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Glory to Revolutionary Ribenia — the Keeper of Names.”\u003C\u002Fp>",1891,"2026-06-06T06:11:51.334Z",1,"novelbin.me","885a5394f96262707074def9735f108408b2399749c81972ca6cec1741a3c9e8","i-became-the-academy-s-war-hero-chapter-76","i-became-the-academy-s-war-hero-chapter-74",163,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fi-became-the-academy-s-war-hero-cover.jpg"]